What is Mono?
Mono is short for Infectious Mononucleosis. The direct cause of this, is the Epstein-Barr Virus, or commonly known as EBV. There is a direct link or connection between Lymphoma and Mono. If you tested every Lymphoma patient for the Epstein -Barr Virus they would test positive. Therefore, connecting that as one potential cause of Lymphoma might just be right.
I was 13 when I started to feel tired. I lost my appetite, lost weight very rapidly and sat in the doctor’s office crying about how sick I felt. But, not everyone infected with Mono or the Epstein-Barr Virus has symptoms or feels sick. Most do, but not all. Very young children may have none other than a low-grade fever. Most older people or older kids will develop a raging sore throat to the point where you can’t swallow and the nodes under the chin or possibly all over the body may become enlarged. The spleen may become enlarge and cause some pain in the abdomen.
The treatment I had gone through was an increase in my daily amount of iron and B12. Weekly, I was given B12 shots for about a year and a course of antibiotics. It took equally as long for me to regain my energy and to feel normal. I had to limit all physical activity and I had to get extra bed rest and sleep. I was not allowed to over tire myself or do anything strenuous. I wasn’t allowed to lift anything heavy for fear of rupturing the spleen which was double in size.
Mono is spread through the Epstein-Barr Virus which can be found in saliva, mucus and tears! A person with a lowered immunity system is more at risk at catching this. It is very possible that people who has had mono can still spread it along without any symptoms. Interesting enough the Epstein-Barr Virus lives in the nose and throat. The EBV virus is spread when the saliva of an infected person gets into the other person’s mouth. Sharing a same glass or utensils, kissing and sometimes rarely, through a blood transfusion. For several weeks to months during and after the time you are infected you can still pass this along to others. It lays dormant, and from time to time, it will reactivate itself. Most people at some point in their adult life will catch the EBV but won’t display Mono symptoms. Lifetime carriers of EBV are the most common source of EBV infection. There is an incubation period of 6 weeks, with the Epstein-Barr Virus after being exposed to it.
There are specific tests to have done to determine if you have or had EBV. One is to have done a complete blood count, a CBC. Secondly, is a EBV antibody test. I had this done and tested positive for it, 31 years after I was diagnosed at age 13. Thirdly, a Mononucleosis Test. Lastly, a Liver test to determine if any damage was done to your liver.
I was 44 when I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Was the Epstein-Barr Virus conclusively the cause of my Lymphoma? I don’t know for sure, but all data points it could had possibly been; and, for that reason alone, take care of that seemingly, innocent cold and sore throat.